How to Set Up a Water Turtle Cage

Aquatic turtles can make for fascinating pets, as they swim gracefully through their watery home. They have four basic housing needs. They need clean water, enough space to swim around in, a heat source, and a way to get up out of the water to bask. As a turtle owner, it's your job to provide a cage that meets these needs. By giving your pet water turtle an appropriate home, you can help it live a long healthy life.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium or plastic tub
  • Basking area material
  • Heat lamp
  • Thermometer
  • Filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the species of turtle you will be keeping. This will tell you the turtle's preferred temperature range and maximum adult size. Many web sites and good books are available on water turtles. You can find information on several of the common pet species online at Turtlecare.net.

    • 2

      Select a cage material for your turtle. Glass aquariums are the most popular choice, because they can be viewed from the side. Large plastic tubs are another option, if you want something more economical.

    • 3

      Choose a cage that is at minimum three to four times as long and two to three times as wide as the turtle's adult length. The height of the water should be one and a half to two times the turtle's adult length, with the top of the aquarium another eight to 12 inches above the water to prevent the turtle from climbing out.

    • 4

      Create a land area for your turtle. Land areas can be stacked stone, floating logs or commercial turtle docks you can buy at the pet store. It must be large enough so the turtle can get completely out of the water, and strong enough to support the turtle's weight. Use a thermometer to take a temperature reading after the aquarium light has been on for half an hour or so.

    • 5

      Position a heat lamp over the land area. The turtle will crawl out of the water to bask and raise its body temperature. You can use a clamp lamp attached to the side of the cage, or clip it to a stand. Make sure you use a bulb with a high enough wattage to raise the temperature into the turtle's preferred basking range. Most water turtles need a basking spot with a temperature of 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Add a submersible water heater. Many turtles prefer an ambient water temperature higher than the average room temperature. Set the thermostat to the turtle's preferred temperature and attach it to the bottom or side of the cage in an area with good water circulation. Most water turtles prefer a range of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 7

      Choose a filter. Turtles are messy eaters, and a good filter will cut down on necessary water changes. Select a canister filter that is rated for two to three times the volume of the water in your turtle tank. Hang-on-the-side filters aren't good for turtle tanks, since most don't have enough pumping power.